According to German publication SportBild, Southampton are among a number of clubs interested in signing Hamburg winger Nicolai Muller this summer, with the attacker worth €8m-€10m (approximately £7m-£8.8m).
The 29-year-old helped the Bundesliga outfit narrowly avoid finishing in the relegation play-off spot last term with some impressive performances last term, and now he is on the radar of the south coast outfit, as well as Schalke and Premier League rivals West Ham United, according to SportBild.
New Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino may well be looking to strengthen his attacking options this summer following a disappointing goal return last season – the side scored just 17 home league goals and 41 in total in 38 top flight matches.
Jay Rodriguez joined West Bromwich Albion on Sunday and the Argentine manager could now be looking for a wide forward to replace him, although Muller – who has one year remaining on his Hamburg contract – may not be what is needed.
Here are three reasons Southampton should steer clear of signing the 29-year-old…
Statistics
While Muller scored five goals and provided a further seven assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances for Hamburg last season, they are hardly numbers that scream of him being a good signing for Southampton.
If the south coast outfit are planning to keep hold of the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Bertrand this summer and make a real push for Europe next term, and with all due respect to the 29-year-old they must be aiming for a higher calibre of player in order to make a real statement.
Age
Due to turn 30 years of age in September, Muller certainly doesn’t fit the profile of the typical Saints signing in recent seasons.
As shown last summer when they brought in the likes of Nathan Redmond, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sofiane Boufal – and then Jan Bednarek this year – Southampton look to bring in young players that that they can develop and that will increase in value during their time at St Mary’s.
They would struggle to do that with Muller, who would be relied on to make a big impact in the short-term.
Adaptation
Considering he has played his whole career in Germany, it would certainly be a lot to ask for Muller to then come and make an instant impact for Southampton in the Premier League.
If Saints are to challenge for a top six finish to boost their chances of qualifying for Europe next season, they need to get off to a positive start in the league and they ideally need players that they know that they can rely on to deliver.
Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.
